THE GUIDE WINTER 2024/25 FRANCE TODAY’S TOP PICKS FOR 2024/2025…


Clockwise from this image: Paris is not to be missed at Christmas; festive fun in Montbéliard; Place Gutenberg in Strasbourg; Art Nouveau Nancy in full Christmas splendour


CHRISTMAS MARKETS


For some guaranteed Yuletide cheer, head for one of the many Christmas markets held across France. Sparkling lights, mulled wine, gourmet treats and Christmas gifts will put a smile on the face of even the most miserable Grinch. With their Germanic influence, the east and northeast of France offer some of the best.


Montbéliard Every year, Les Lumières de Noël festival lights up the city of Montbéliard in Franche- Comté. Its traditional market in the historic heart of the city features dozens of artisans


120 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Dec/Jan 2025


and producers from the surrounding region, as well as an ice rink and appearances from Santa Claus and la Tante Airie, a sort of fairy


godmother who offers gifts to the best-behaved children. Every day, starting at sunset, the city puts on an impressive light show. This year Les Lumières de Noël runs from November 23 until Christmas Eve and has a special Norman culinary theme. www.lumieres-de-noel.fr


Paris


In a typical winter, Paris will host up to 20 official


Christmas markets across the city, as well as many other pop-up markets. Some start in


mid-November, most stay open until Christmas Eve and a few carry on into early January. One of the biggest of them all is the Marché de Noël du Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre, with a Ferris wheel, carnival rides and ice rink, from November 16 until January 1. Another market which receives a lot of local support is the Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame (November 29 to December 25), on Square René Viviani, across the Seine from the famous cathedral, which reopens in December after restoration work following the 2019 fire. There are other markets worth exploring, too, on Boulevard Saint-Germain


(November 26 to January 1), on Quai Jacques Chirac at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (December 7 to January 5), at Gare de l’Est (November 29 to December 15) and on the Place de la Fontaine-aux- Lions (November 23 to December 29).


Strasbourg


The brightest bauble of them all, Strasbourg has been hosting its Christmas market since 1570, making it the oldest in the country. The entire city is illuminated, turning it into a magical wonderland, especially as dusk falls and the many lights begin to twinkle. Taking place from November 27 until


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